Craig Kapitan is a Senior Multimedia Journalist for New Zealand's Herald, with extensive experience reporting on crime, navigating courtrooms, and supervising other crime and courts reporters.
I started my newspaper career in 2000 and have spent the majority of my time since then navigating courtrooms in the United States and New Zealand or supervising other crime and courts reporters. Along the way, I’ve covered the trials of a military base mass shooter, gang hitmen, rogue police officers and prison guards and more murder and death penalty cases than I can recall. Non-courtroom assignments have included rushing to a small Texas town where remnants of Nasa’s Columbia space shuttle rained down after its explosion, coverage of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, a one-on-one interview with former US President George Bush Sr and a surreal ride in Chuck Norris' ute during which I quizzed the actor about his favourite Chuck Norris jokes. Some of my proudest moments in journalism include an investigative series that helped result in the criminal conviction of a judge and a 20,000-word, four-part story about a decorated police officer whose life was nearly destroyed by PTSD after serving as a sniper in Iraq. The later series resulted in a 2008 Livingston Award, which dubs itself the Pulitzer Prize for reporters under 35. I tied in the ‘excellence in national reporting’ category with The New York Times’ CIA reporter. I studied journalism at the University of Missouri and worked for newspapers in San Francisco and Texas before moving to Auckland in 2015. I spent six years in the TVNZ newsroom before starting at that Herald in 2021.
![Home detention for woman who helped Queen St murder accused evade arrest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Home detention for woman who helped Queen St murder accused evade arrest
'Bro get the f*** on the scooters now let’s go,' Boon-Harris said after the shooting.
![Guilty verdicts in Auckland Airport meth import case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Guilty verdicts in Auckland Airport meth import case
Authorities said the alleged kingpin's syndicate was at first extremely successful.
![Ex-Head Hunter caught flushing meth down toilet in police raid on Herne Bay home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ex-Head Hunter caught flushing meth down toilet in police raid on Herne Bay home
Former outlaw bikie caught with new meth stash during raid at his rehab facility.
![First he targeted jewellery stores. Then teen crim graduated to prison stabbings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
First he targeted jewellery stores. Then teen crim graduated to prison stabbings
Two brazen daytime heists, both terrifying shoppers at crowded malls, netted $850,000.
![Airport meth kingpin 'surrounded by turkeys', Crown says in closing address](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Airport meth kingpin 'surrounded by turkeys', Crown says in closing address
Jury deliberating in trial of pair accused of exploiting a border security loophole.
![Woman charged with crash that killed prominent Head Hunters gang member](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman charged with crash that killed prominent Head Hunters gang member
A huge crowd, including dozens of patched bikies, attended Sam Rasmussen's tangi.
![Massey murder defendant keeps name secret for now; identity of deceased woman also suppressed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Massey murder defendant keeps name secret for now; identity of deceased woman also suppressed
The woman was found dead in a Chorley Ave home last month.
![Woman accused of murdering father of three appears in court, named](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman accused of murdering father of three appears in court, named
She is accused of having used a car as a deadly weapon.
![Judge's full reasons for ex-MP Golriz Ghahraman's case ending with conviction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Judge's full reasons for ex-MP Golriz Ghahraman's case ending with conviction
The former Green Party standout said a conviction might derail her legal career.
![When knife-wielding teen demanded cash, shopkeeper said no - then she locked him inside](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
When knife-wielding teen demanded cash, shopkeeper said no - then she locked him inside
The judge urged him not to follow in the footsteps of his father.
![Fiery scenes as midwife who refused 'bio-weapon' Covid vaccine convicted](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fiery scenes as midwife who refused 'bio-weapon' Covid vaccine convicted
'See you at the military tribunals,' said Irene Kalinowski as she left court.
![Judge cites Ghahraman's 'vicarious trauma' in handing down shoplifting conviction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Judge cites Ghahraman's 'vicarious trauma' in handing down shoplifting conviction
Once one of the Green Party's brightest stars, her political career is now in tatters.
![For two years, influencer who sexually abused teen boys has kept name secret; that may soon change](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
For two years, influencer who sexually abused teen boys has kept name secret; that may soon change
The Court of Appeal has upheld his conviction.
![Rose Cottage dairy murder: Shopkeeper died for a 'few dollars', 501 killer says 'I am a coward'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rose Cottage dairy murder: Shopkeeper died for a 'few dollars', 501 killer says 'I am a coward'
“I admit I am a coward and a low-life criminal, to say the least."
!['Complex PTSD': Ghahraman blames threats, mental crisis for shoplifting - to learn fate on Thursday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Complex PTSD': Ghahraman blames threats, mental crisis for shoplifting - to learn fate on Thursday
The Crown said the offending had the hallmarks of pre-meditation.
![Stakes high for Golriz Ghahraman today as disgraced ex-MP returns to court for sentencing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stakes high for Golriz Ghahraman today as disgraced ex-MP returns to court for sentencing
It might not just be her political career that's over.
![Meth addict had been up for three days when he stabbed stranger on Auckland bus](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Meth addict had been up for three days when he stabbed stranger on Auckland bus
'I don’t know why the male attacked me. I was just trying to help him.'
![Woolworths heist: Staff cowered in back room before wild getaway, tree crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woolworths heist: Staff cowered in back room before wild getaway, tree crash
Serial burglar Logan Anaru had replaced his meds with meth, a judge was told.
![Watch: CCTV shows corrupt Air NZ baggage handler removing secret meth stash from flight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: CCTV shows corrupt Air NZ baggage handler removing secret meth stash from flight
The footage has been released to the Herald after it was played for jurors today.
![Stay-at-home dad's illegal gun collection, clan lab raided after failed undercover gun buy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stay-at-home dad's illegal gun collection, clan lab raided after failed undercover gun buy
He was arrested after trying to buy two pistols from an undercover officer.
!['Simple but ingenious' meth import plot saw baggage handlers exploit major border weakness - Crown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Simple but ingenious' meth import plot saw baggage handlers exploit major border weakness - Crown
The duo are the last men standing after all other co-defendants pleaded guilty.
![Bus passenger says stab attack on driver was 'dumb, drunken', but it wasn't his first](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bus passenger says stab attack on driver was 'dumb, drunken', but it wasn't his first
The serial stabber also attacked a man at Auckland Hospital, resulting in kidney loss.
![Crown seeks record-breaking reparation for powerboat crash that destroyed historic ferry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crown seeks record-breaking reparation for powerboat crash that destroyed historic ferry
The captain of the other ship suffered a broken neck and remains paralysed.
!['Open the till': Teen BK employees stabbed in unprovoked attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Open the till': Teen BK employees stabbed in unprovoked attack
“I want the money. Give me the money or I’m going to stab him,' Ethan Simon told staff.
![24 days in hell: Blowtorch-wielding kidnappers wanted cryptocurrency password](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
24 days in hell: Blowtorch-wielding kidnappers wanted cryptocurrency password
The victim was forced to dig what was supposedly her grave at a remote Far North property.
![Fatal shooting following 501's machete attack; two men jailed for manslaughter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fatal shooting following 501's machete attack; two men jailed for manslaughter
Barber Brian James was shot to death during a tussle for a gun in a pitch-black bedroom.
![Man whose partner fell to death from moving car acquitted of manslaughter, guilty of kidnapping](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man whose partner fell to death from moving car acquitted of manslaughter, guilty of kidnapping
He said he wanted to get his drunk partner home safely. Family said she screamed for help.
![Man slashed young girl's throat in 'savage, unprovoked' attempted murder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man slashed young girl's throat in 'savage, unprovoked' attempted murder
He woke her up at 3am before trying to kill her with a fish-filleting knife.
![How child rapist spent 25 years on the run after vanishing from NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How child rapist spent 25 years on the run after vanishing from NZ
Lima Aleni's behaviour during his decades at large helped bolster the prosecution's case.
![Man who kicked fatally stabbed MMA fighter in head refused home detention](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man who kicked fatally stabbed MMA fighter in head refused home detention
Kevin 'Honey Badger' Hay was a popular martial arts instructor with 70,000 followers.
![Court orders longer sentence for teen who raped stranger in bushes at Albert Park](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Court orders longer sentence for teen who raped stranger in bushes at Albert Park
Peter Kosetatino initially sought home detention and permanent name suppression.
![Car fall victim had tried to flee moving car in past, 14yo witness says at manslaughter trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Car fall victim had tried to flee moving car in past, 14yo witness says at manslaughter trial
Katelyn Rua-Tuhou had a history of fleeing moving vehicles when drunk, defence claims.
![Airport baggage handler admits he was part of crime syndicate accused of $50m meth import scheme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Airport baggage handler admits he was part of crime syndicate accused of $50m meth import scheme
Kimela Piukana helped divert the illicit bundles from overseas commercial flights.
![Man recalls moment partner opened door on motorway and fell to her death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man recalls moment partner opened door on motorway and fell to her death
Prosecution says kidnap and manslaughter accused is suffering selective amnesia.
![Murderer ditched post-prison ankle bracelet before fatal robbery in West Auckland park](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Murderer ditched post-prison ankle bracelet before fatal robbery in West Auckland park
Victim remembered by his family for having an infectious laugh and gift of the gab.
!['Don't call police or we'll come back': Gangsters attack man in violent home invasion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Don't call police or we'll come back': Gangsters attack man in violent home invasion
Police later seized Daniel Natua's gang patch and gun cache after raiding his home.
!['False prophet': State caregiver created cult, twisted doomsday religious doctrine to molest boy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'False prophet': State caregiver created cult, twisted doomsday religious doctrine to molest boy
He was charged in 2022 with exploiting his positon of trust over 15 years earlier.
![Best friend says defendant was hurt, upset with partner before alleged fatal kidnapping](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Best friend says defendant was hurt, upset with partner before alleged fatal kidnapping
"Baby, wake up!" bystanders heard Jovan Pora yell at his partner after the fatal crash.
![Police officer admits assaulting youth ram raid suspects after chase](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police officer admits assaulting youth ram raid suspects after chase
The victims, ages 13, 14 and 17, were passengers in a vehicle that had just been spiked.
![Auckland teens, 14 and 17, guilty of murder for road rage stabbing attack on stranger](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland teens, 14 and 17, guilty of murder for road rage stabbing attack on stranger
The victim suffered a frenzied knife attack to his head and upper body.
![Mum's grim texts foreshadow violence prior to infant's death: 'Not safe with me'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mum's grim texts foreshadow violence prior to infant's death: 'Not safe with me'
'I’m about to show my anger with the kids crying and it’s not gonna be pretty.'
![Mum admits fatal assault on baby boy days before murder trial was set to start](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mum admits fatal assault on baby boy days before murder trial was set to start
The identities of the defendant and the victim remain secret.
![New trial date for mother accused of murdering children, leaving bodies in suitcases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New trial date for mother accused of murdering children, leaving bodies in suitcases
Hakyung Lee had initially been scheduled to go to trial last month.
![Jurors watch last seconds of alleged kidnap victim's life as manslaughter trial begins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jurors watch last seconds of alleged kidnap victim's life as manslaughter trial begins
Prosecutors say victim was trying to escape when car crashed on motorway.
![Man who beat estranged business partner over the head jailed for manslaughter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man who beat estranged business partner over the head jailed for manslaughter
'The scars left behind on our family's heart will remain forever.'
![Identity of 17yo who raped stranger at knifepoint in Albert Park revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Identity of 17yo who raped stranger at knifepoint in Albert Park revealed
His victim fought for the rapist's name to be made public. Now it has.
![Sex worker slashed customer with knife in secluded carpark, severing artery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sex worker slashed customer with knife in secluded carpark, severing artery
Details of the violent end to Daniel Otess' life have been revealed for the first time.
![Auckland man who beat his baby girl to death can finally be named](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland man who beat his baby girl to death can finally be named
Baby Falute's father has kept his identity secret until now, despite lengthy prison term.
!['So many stab wounds': Good Samaritan testifies through tears at murder trial of teens, 14 and 17](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'So many stab wounds': Good Samaritan testifies through tears at murder trial of teens, 14 and 17
'That’s what happens when you come to Beach Haven,' they allegedly taunted.
![International rugby player who harmed endangered birds loses appeal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
International rugby player who harmed endangered birds loses appeal
He drove a power boat at speed into a flock of endangered birds.
!['Singled out': Transgender paedophile says prison punished her for inmate relationships](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Singled out': Transgender paedophile says prison punished her for inmate relationships
Officials considered her a troublesome inmate. But it wasn't retribution, they insisted.
![$250k jewellery store heist: Getaway driver caught with gems stuffed in bra](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$250k jewellery store heist: Getaway driver caught with gems stuffed in bra
Video showed masked teen co-defendants, who were half her age, lash out with hammers.
![Māori weaponry instructor beat students with stick, says heritage exempted him from law](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Māori weaponry instructor beat students with stick, says heritage exempted him from law
He told the Court of Appeal they had no power over him. The justices disagreed.
!['The evidence is stacked against me': What an accused baby murderer told police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The evidence is stacked against me': What an accused baby murderer told police
His biggest fear, Tipene Te Ahuru told a detective, was to become like his abusive father.
![Crown agrees to drop murder charge against man who helped plan fatal Sandringham dairy robbery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crown agrees to drop murder charge against man who helped plan fatal Sandringham dairy robbery
Shane Tane has now admitted his guilt, but not to murder.
![Judge dismisses trespass charge against Liz Gunn, assault charge remains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Judge dismisses trespass charge against Liz Gunn, assault charge remains
The anti-vaccination activist allegedly asked the security worker about her nationality.
![Auckland man revealed to young girl he wasn't her real father, then he slit her throat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland man revealed to young girl he wasn't her real father, then he slit her throat
Details of the macabre scene were revealed for the first time today.
![Hefty sentence for father who beat baby to death, but identity still kept secret](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hefty sentence for father who beat baby to death, but identity still kept secret
The infant victim and the man who killed her still cannot be named by court order.
![Bodies in suitcase: Mum's murder trial comes to halt at last minute, indefinitely delayed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bodies in suitcase: Mum's murder trial comes to halt at last minute, indefinitely delayed
Jury selection was scheduled to begin today.
![Father joined gang to protect son from 'bullies' - now they're locked up together](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Father joined gang to protect son from 'bullies' - now they're locked up together
A judge praised Texas Doctor's dedication to his sons - until he joined the Rebels.
!['Incredibly vicious': Frying pan attack on police officers left them disfigured](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Incredibly vicious': Frying pan attack on police officers left them disfigured
The officers recounted being soaked in blood and terrified.
![501 murder-for-hire convict at-large in NZ after wild police chase in $249k Porsche](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
501 murder-for-hire convict at-large in NZ after wild police chase in $249k Porsche
After a crazy car chase, Tevita got out of the Porsche and peed in front of cops.
![Father recruited 17yo son for armed jewellery heist, claims opiate prescription to blame](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Father recruited 17yo son for armed jewellery heist, claims opiate prescription to blame
Julian Brown's workplace injury led to a cascade of bad choices, his lawyer said.
!['Most break out': Meth addict admits smashing his way into Auckland police station](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Most break out': Meth addict admits smashing his way into Auckland police station
He was charged with burglary but said the smashed glass was because he sought refuge.
![Road rage attack: Second defendant admits terrorising stranger who accidentally joined gang convoy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Road rage attack: Second defendant admits terrorising stranger who accidentally joined gang convoy
The FITUS gang members were driving to a large-scale brawl.
![Teen acquitted of murder after fatally stabbing older brother at birthday party](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teen acquitted of murder after fatally stabbing older brother at birthday party
Challas Nathan, 30, was stabbed twice with a butcher's knife.
![Motorist terrorised after accidentally merging into gang convoy en route to deadly attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Motorist terrorised after accidentally merging into gang convoy en route to deadly attack
A short time later, patched Head Hunter Charles Pongi would be killed.
!['Appalling guidance as a mother': Over-protective mum jailed for murderer son's false alibi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Appalling guidance as a mother': Over-protective mum jailed for murderer son's false alibi
It wasn't the first time Donna Dodds tried to pervert justice for her wayward son.
![Violence was never far from surface for 'bully' who died of stab wounds, his family says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Violence was never far from surface for 'bully' who died of stab wounds, his family says
Challas Nathan died from stab wounds after a fight with his younger brother.
![Identity revealed of defendant accused of killing security guard at Auckland reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Identity revealed of defendant accused of killing security guard at Auckland reserve
The victim was found dead at Royal Reserve in Massey a week before Christmas.
![Crown to not pursue murder charge against alleged getaway driver in fatal Sandringham dairy robbery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crown to not pursue murder charge against alleged getaway driver in fatal Sandringham dairy robbery
Henry Fred has a terminal illness, the court was told.
![Man who delivered unprovoked head-kick during dispute over meth quality pleads guilty to manslaughter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man who delivered unprovoked head-kick during dispute over meth quality pleads guilty to manslaughter
The unconscious victim was left in a hotel room for a week after suffering a brain bleed.
![Brother recounts anger, shame after killing sibling at birthday party](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Brother recounts anger, shame after killing sibling at birthday party
‘I’m sick of it. It’s my 19th birthday. I’m not f***ing getting a hiding today.'
![Tribesmen sergeant-at-arms pleads guilty to shooting his own gang's president](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tribesmen sergeant-at-arms pleads guilty to shooting his own gang's president
His attempted murder trial was set to start today. He instead admitted a different charge.
!['Astounding quantities': Young entrepreneur was secret drug syndicate figurehead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Astounding quantities': Young entrepreneur was secret drug syndicate figurehead
He made enough money to squander nearly $1 million at SkyCity Casino.
![More jail time for Killer Bee who fled prison van in motorway escape](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
More jail time for Killer Bee who fled prison van in motorway escape
His latest crime involved intimidating someone who wanted to leave the gang.
![Ex-political candidate who stole from charity for needy children to keep suppression](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ex-political candidate who stole from charity for needy children to keep suppression
He also sought a discharge without conviction but was denied.
![Revealed: Suppression lapses for one of five defendants in Head Hunters-related murder case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Revealed: Suppression lapses for one of five defendants in Head Hunters-related murder case
Samuel Curle died 20 days after he was found injured on a highway near Helensville.